video

[outofsp]

[ Here's an unusually solemn new face. Ashraf looks a little shorter, a little more gangly, and with less wear and tear. He's traded out his swank priest robes for a nice tan dress-looking ensamble, too. After some initial juggling he stares straight into the camera, takes a breath, and speaks very carefully. ]

I understand that… some of you will recognize me. To those that don't, or have forgotten me, my name is Ashraf Salib, an acolyte. [ A pause, and there's a rustle of paper as he glances down at something in his hands. A note? ] …That is to say, I am a healer. Please make use of that, if you need it.

I've been instructed to tell this network that any children that are unsure of where to go or what to do may come to the clinic for care. There are a lot of people who are currently their wrong ages, I think? Well — you will find safe haven at the clinic.

[ YES HE DID IT, HE WAS PROFESSIONAL AND EVERYTHING. He looks a little nervously relieved as he hurries to kill the feed again.

Then a few minutes later (it takes him a while to figure this thing out ok), some private messages! ]

[ Addressed to Anders: ] I am told we… work together? [ SHOULDERS SQUARING, LOOKIN DETERMINED. ] Please think no less of me, although I'm not yet a priest. I can still be helpful.

[ no take the reigns away from him anders please ]

[ Addressed to Koltira: ] I am to ask if you still don't remember your time here. [ Here he pauses, clutching nervously at that paper of his just off-screen. ] And I've been told that you are a friend of mine, either way.

Comments

[entombing]

[what's an acolyte...she is thinking.

but more to the point, a clinic was mentioned. she fumbles with her device, and eventually two big blue eyes show up all close to the screen. and oh, there's a face. a cute little kid face. she looks frightened.]

Excuse me! [too loud, too loud. she tones it down a little, but her voice is urgent.] My friend is hurt. Can you help?

[outofsp]

[ oh shit this thing actually works?? he spends a couple of seconds looking startled, but then nods. ]

I... yes, I can. Where is your friend?

[entombing]

U-um...

[she's looking around...] We're in a big room with Madoka-hime and other kids. I'm sorry [her hands twist in her lap, gathering up fistfuls of her dress.] ...I don't know the name of this room.

[ex_lecturing315]

( okay this is a little odd )

Instructed by who?

[outofsp]

[ awkward... pause... this is gonna be a strange answer. ]

...Myself.

[ex_lecturing315]

Yourself....before?

[outofsp]

[ A nod. ]

That was what it said. It seemed like a prank, but... everything has proven true so far.

[ex_lecturing315]

( wow dang why couldn't his old self actually be useful like that?? )

It's not a prank. ( ...well. ) It's been a week for me, anyway.

( just in case someone's playing a REALLY LONG GAME or something )

[outofsp]

You're in the same position, then?

[ex_lecturing315]

That's what everyone says.

( still can't just admit it )

[outofsp]

You don't believe it?

[ex_lecturing315]

( huffy!!! )

I don't want to decide just based on what people tell me.

( except there's other evidence too but shhh )

[outofsp]

[ what and he does?? frown! ]

I have convincing evidence.

[ex_lecturing315]

( not what he meant gosh!!! )

Sure. At least your older self thought ahead.

( which he actually does mean even if he's being A HUGE BRAT )

[outofsp]

Well. [ yes, okay, mollified. ] ...He— I— [ eurgh ] —he wrote that it was a rising trend. Maybe you were only caught off guard.

[ex_lecturing315]

Ridiculous.

( obviously older him should've seen this coming!!!! )

I wonder what this Initiative plans to do with a younger army.

[outofsp]

I am still useful. But for the others... return them home, I would hope. They won't get any use out of children.

[ex_lecturing315]

( crosses his arms! )

I'm not interested in their war. They shouldn't think they can make people.

[werycherk]

[And here is a kid, tired and upset looking, but in spite of that, very interested.]

You're really a doctor? And you fix people when they're hurt or sick? Where's the clinic? Can I see? I want to see!

[And then the excitement fades suddenly.] You can't find our families, can you?

[outofsp]

[ wow there really are random kids out there... ]

I'm... no, I'm not a doctor, I'm an acolyte. I can heal, though. [ a beat ] But no, I'm sorry, I don't know where your family is.

[werycherk]

[He sighs heavily, still looking depressed. And then he sniffles a little. And for a few moments, it looks like he's struggling with something, before he finally asks a question. It's not with the same excitement, but there is a core of childlike determination to his words.]

Can I still see? I wanna be a doctor someday!

[outofsp]

Well — yes. Of course. Do you know your way around?

[werycherk]

[He freezes, a little dismayed for a moment.]

Um... sort of. I looked all over but I don't know which is the clinic.

[outofsp]

Don't tell anyone, but... [ A smile. ] I'm not yet sure myself where it is. Maybe we can find it together.

[werycherk]

Like an adventure? Okay!

[And then his nose wrinkles. One more problem.]

But where are you?

[outofsp]

[ good question. he has a vague idea, at least... ]

Do you know where the housing is?

[werycherk]

I think that's where I woke up! What floor are you on?

[He's already moving, from the way the video is starting to bob.]

[outofsp]

Ah, give me just a moment... [ The screen moves as he heads to the door to check on the number, then: ] The third floor. You know how to get here?

[werycherk]

Uh-huh! I'm fast!

[And he's pounding up stairs not long after. He is a fast kid, but has a bad habit of going careening around corners too fast to stop easily.

His words are probably weirdly echoing, because he hasn't turned off his tablet yet.]

Hey, mister? You said the third floor!

[brightdawn]

[WELL ISN'T THIS JUST DARLING. Koltira's not sure what to do with the suddenly younger man he sees on the screen--it's most definitely the guy that's been so kind to him over the past few days, but it's also definitely not that guy.]

Ah ... no, I'm afraid I don't remember anything.

[outofsp]

[ staring at this guy that is... apparently a good friend?? wow he has weird eyes. ]

...Oh. [ this is awkward. he's still not sure why it mattered. ] I'm afraid I... don't recall you either way, so...

[brightdawn]

[He grins sheepishly.]

Don't worry about it. If you don't know and I don't know, then we can just make a fresh start of it, eh?

[outofsp]

That's... true. [ a smile! ] Well, then it's nice to meet you. I read that you're a warrior, is that true?

[brightdawn]

Aye, I am. [WINK.] I tend to work quite well with priests.

[moralperil]

Ashraf. You look different!

Do you need any help looking after the kids? I can bring food!

[A pause, and then he realizes:] I'm Mahdi, a friend. If you don't remember.

[outofsp]

[ he's staring at this guy kind of curiously, and a flash of comprehension strikes with the addition of his name. ]

I've... [ god this still sounds so weird (it is so weird) ] ...Well, read about you.

I think the clinic could use some food, but I... haven't actually been there yet. Is it stocked?

[moralperil]

You read about me? Where? [Is Ashraf writing things about him? Oh, he hopes they're good things!]

I'm not really sure. I know it has medical supplies, and um condoms and lady supplies, but I don't know about food. I don't think there will be enough for a lot of kids, though.

[outofsp]

I have a letter here... it tells me that the version of me that was here last was good friends with a Mahdi. [ a tiny smile here ] That must be you.

[ he's a fantasy character and what are condoms?? just gonna ignore that one, but he nods. ] If there are going to be many children, then we should have the food to match them.

[moralperil]

Just let me know if any of them have allergies. I think I'll macaroni and cheese, and a vegetable soup, and... oh I have so many ideas! I love kids. It'll be fun to help you take care of them.

You - he - you said that? [Mahdi is touched beyond belief. Not just friends, but good friends. His heart is in his throat.]

I'll be sure to live up to that reputation. We'll get through this!

[outofsp]

[ oh gosh how embarrassing, he's not sure how to deal with having a good friend that he's never met before ]

I'm... sure you will. [ presumably?? he must have liked him for a reason. ] I'm sorry that I don't recognize you.

[moralperil]

That's okay, it's not your fault. Though I hope that I don't get sent back into my younger days or whatever. Then I'd be the one who was confused.

I can be over in an hour or two. If it's okay, I'll stay and help out for as long as you need. It's not like I have much else going on. [And Mahdi really does love helping Ashraf however he can.]

[outofsp]

That will work well, thank you.

And if you do get sent back as well, I'll be sure to help you.

[moralperil]

...You're too kind!

[video]

[birdhousesoul]

Yes. Yes, we work together. [ Anders looks Concerned. ] Look, I don't care whether you're a priest or a burlesque dancer, I only care whether you're all right. Are you?

I'll be at the clinic in a few moments. You ought to ... lie down, or something.

[outofsp]

What? No, I'm... I'm perfectly fine. There isn't any need for that. [ should he be offended that Anders thinks he's so fragile?? not sure... ]